For some unknown reason, Disney's Around the World In 80 Days failed to make even the slightest mark on the box office. One might suggest the fact that it deviates from the Jules Verne book and the previously made movie too much for hardcore fans. However I doubt there's that many hardcore fans out there to justify that reasoning. Whatever the cause, the movie did not deserve it as this is one of Jackie Chan's best films ever for the American market and one the whole family can enjoy.
There was a day when Disney made these kind of family films that mixed comedy with plenty of action and of course some good solid family values. Jackie plays Passepartout/Lau Xing, a villager from China whos come to England to retrieve a stolen jade buddha from his village. Lau Xing robs the bank of london in order to get the buddha back and in the process of hiding from the bobbies becomes the newest valet of Phileas Fogg (Steve Coogan). He quickly invents the name due to looking at a passport and adds the tout to make it French sounding since Phileas only uses French valets.
Speaking of which Fogg is an inventor whos peers see him as a failure with his quirky inventions. Upon a meeting at the royal chamber of science, Fogg puts his foot in his mouth when referring to how long it would take the chinese robber of the bank to get back home. He claims he could circumvent the globe in 80 days and thus he is challenged to personally do so by the other scientists.
The adventure is then set as Passportout uses this as a chance to get home and Fogg takes on a bet that could make him head of the royal academy. The film isn't faithful to the book but it is a wonderful family adventure filled with awesome cameos. While some have said Arnold was weird, I laughed hysterically and loved his scenes. Kathy Bates, the Wilson Brothers and Rob Schnider also put in some classic moments. French actress Cécile De France puts in a wonderful turn as the third of the adventurers in Monique. While this is a Jackie Chan film and there are some action sequences, those put off by this other movies should not be here. The real star is Steve Coogan who portrays Fogg perfectly giving the film that sense of adventure and heroism for the little guy we all secretly dream of. Around the World in 80 Days is a terrific update and one of my personal all time favorite Jackie Chan movies now. I hope Disney keeps taking chances like this.
The Disc:
Although performing dismally in the theaters, Disney has not let the few fans of the film down with this Set. It begins with a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation that looks fabulous. This film screams the late 1800's with plenty of beautiful scenery and colors. The sound is equally impressive with a Dolby Digital 5.1 track that does an excellent job with the surround effects of the adventures many action sequences. There's plenty to enjoy here including Spanish and French tracks.
Extras on the disc begin with a Never-Before-Seen Director's Alternate Beginning, which basically just opens with a computer animated chicken in space. It's a bit weird but ties into the chicken scene late in the movie with the Wilson Brothers. Next up is a An Audio Commentary Track With The Cast and the Crew, which is pretty facsinating. I must admit that hearing how excited they were in making this film makes the actual results that much more disheartening. This is a wonderful film that many people have missed out on.
Next up is "Discovering Around The World In 80 Days", a standard behind the scenes feature that captures the cast and crew working to make the film. As far as behind the scenes features go this one is not bad but nothing too special. Next up is a wonderful song and music video, "All Over The World" Perfomed By Dave Stewart And The Sylvia School Children's Choir. I really love this song and its meaning. The video is pretty standard Dave Stewart weirdness but that's ok.
Finally there's some deleted scenes, an "Around the World with Jackie Chan" featurette, some previews and of course trailers.
bottom line:
America you missed out. Yes the summer was filled with great films and this one got lost in the middle perhaps. However hopefully audiences will discover it on DVD. Jackie Chan comes through with another wonderful film that families can enjoy together.
5 out of 5
By - Brian Gray
1/2
